I was immediately inspired by this store styling but it took me a little while to re-create it since it’s been a little chilly to wear skirts. The sweater used is the Tippi Sweater in an Heather Olive. Any color sweater will do especially a bright blue or purple (for me at least). Instead of the white Perfect Shirt I layered the Ruffled Rhinestone Top under the Cashmere Tee in Jalepeno from years ago. 
I am so glad I bought the Pleated Lattice Skirt in black when I did. It sold out in a size 8 pretty quick in-store but it is still available in all sizes online. I bought the size 6 instead though it pulls just a teeny bit across the hips. I figure I will wear tops over the skirt and no one will notice. The reason I bought it so quickly and early is because the 30% off all items was still going on. (This was before Christmas.) I’d have to pay full-price if I ordered it online. 
I am in love with how the burgundy tights and Everly T-Strap heels worked so well with the whole color scheme of the outfit. I added my Black Lexington Blazer (one, two) and the Ensign Necklace from Madewell to finish the look. 

This was my outfit for the office today and I am very happy with how my version of the J Crew Store Styling turned out.

Have a Great Evening!

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This past weekend was so beautiful and sunny that I was able to get out of the house and finally get to some stores for a little shopping and try-ons. I met some cousins for a late lunch at Whiskey Cake so my time was a little limited. My first set of reviews for 2015 come from Tory Burch.

~ Olympia Tee, Comet Plano Stripe, Medium ~
I love the shape and style of my Zora Tee from last year so I was very happy to see this style back again for Resort. The Olympia Tee is 100% Linen and the front is also embroidered. The size Medium fit well through the body but the arms were pretty snug. Due to the embroidery on the sleeves, there was no give in that area. 
The colors are great for Spring and Summer and the contrasting embroidered trim breaks up the pattern in the front. I didn’t get a shot of the back but it is blue and white striped and different from the front. 

~ Lou Tee, Medium ~
The Lou Tee is one I immediately added to my wishlist. I knew that even though it’s similar in style (large stripes) to the Zora Tee, it would be one I’d wear frequently. This is also a Medium and the sleeves are a little looser and have some give. 

The back has a diamond print and the colors blend well with the front of the tee. The neckline and hem trim have sequins to jazz up the tee a little more. I don’t find the v-neck too low but a little cami will help for a little modesty if you like. Overall, I am very happy to have found another dressy “tee” to wear through Spring and Summer.

~ Brandy Pants, Navy, size 8 ~
I grabbed these to try on with all the tops I brought to the dressing room. They fit ok in the size 8 but you can see the pockets do not lay flat. I need to size to a 10 for a better fit through the hips. This is also supposed to be a cropped pant so I’d need to hem it several inches to achieve that look. I like the pants and the navy color is great for Spring but overall, they do not work for me. 
  

Though the Olympia and Lou Tee’s are priced a bit high at $195, I know that I will wear them a few times a month, easily bringing down the cost-per-wear. I have not had any issues with my Zora Tee regarding quality or fading. The tee has held up well with the number of wears and it will be a work-horse again this year.

I am in the office today so I really hope I can stop by the J Crew Factory to bring you some reviews of what’s in-store.

Have a Great Day!

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Thank you ALL so much for entering my first giveaway of the year. I was so flattered to read all your wonderful comments. It really means so much to me.

And now for the TWO winners! There were a total of 86 valid entries.

I’ve contacted both Heather and Dana via email. They have 48 hours from to claim their E-Gift Card. 

Again, thanks for entering and I look forward to hosting another one soon!

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I love my Cora Dress in red so much (and Husband likes it too!) that I bought the Chain Print one as well. I had to get a size 8 since a 6 was not available. It gives me just a little more length. I really wanted to wear it and decided to try adding the Merino Pocket Tunic over it. I immediately loved the look. I know it would look even better with a more fitted sweater but this one suited my needs and I was comfortable in the whole outfit.

I had some J Crew tights still in the package that almost exactly match the Martina Patent Wedges. At the last minute I added the Tortoise Crystal Pendant Necklace

I was so happy to finally take a few pics outside since it’s been so cold and gloomy. It was still pretty chilly but the sun and blue skies were out so I didn’t mind. Our patio is coming along slowly due to the weather but these next few days should be really busy with the masonry work. *fingers crossed*

Have a Great Day!

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You all have been great and wonderful followers of this blog, some of you since the very beginning! I have been blogging for 6 1/2 years and last year I little more than doubled my number of posts. I also hit 900 published posts on Thursday! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading as must as I’ve enjoyed writing. This year, I’ll continue bringing you my retailer picks, fitting room reviews and Que Bellas!

In anticipation of Spring arrivals from our favorite retailers I hosting a Giveaway to you, my readers and followers.

There will be 2…TWO!!…winners for an E-Gift Card worth $50 each. You can choose between one of the following retailers:  J Crew, Anthropologie or Banana Republic.

Rules:

1. One entry per person please. I love it if you would follow me.

 

2. Leave your name and EMAIL ADDRESS in the comments. I need a way to contact you!!
3. Entries will be taken through Sunday, January 18th, at noon Central time. No entries will be counted after that.
4. I will use the old fashioned pen-and-paper drawing to select the two winners. Please respond in a timely manner. A new winner will be chosen for those who do not respond within 48 hours of my email/announcing. Please make sure I have your email!!
5. I will contact the winners via email and also post it on the comments/blog on Sunday, January 18th. Please check back and see if you’re a winner.

This is a Blog only Giveaway. I just want to say “Thanks” to all of you faithful readers!

Good Luck!!